ECU Veterans Day activities
Members of ECU’s Army ROTC pose with PeeDee during the Military Appreciation game on Nov. 3. (Photo by Rhett Butler)
East Carolina University has honored military service in several ways in the weeks leading up to Veterans Day.
On Friday, Nov. 2, the Office of Military Programs hosted two ceremonies to honor ECU’s veterans. The first event honored those whose engraved brick pavers will become part of the Memorial Walk located west of Christenbury Memorial Gymnasium on the main campus of ECU.
The project, sponsored by the College of Health and Human Performance and the Office of Military Programs, raises funds for ROTC Army and Air Force Scholarships. ECU alumnus and current member of the Board of Trustees, retired Lt. Col. Vince Smith, served as the guest speaker.
The decorative brick pavers, engraved with a selected name or phrase, were purchased in honor of any living or deceased veteran or active duty service member, as well as anyone who has contributed in support of our national defense, including helping with programs with the Veterans Affairs, Support The Troops, Wounded Warrior Project and similar activities.
On Friday evening, the Office of Military Programs inducted six new members into ECU’s Distinguished Military Service Society. The inductees were Brig. Gen. Todd Hunt, John Israel, Cmdr. Sheldon Jenkins, Keith Oliphant, Maj. Gen. Frederick Padilla and Ed Salau.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, ECU celebrated Military Appreciation Day in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium as the Pirates took on Memphis. An F-15 flyover and special guests from all branches of the military were highlights of the day.
A Women’s Veterans Luncheon attendee listens to the guest speaker. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)
The 554 women veterans employed by ECU, along with female student veterans were invited to a Women’s Veteran Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 6 as a way to acknowledge their service and create more awareness for the newly created Women’s Veteran Group for female students.
Also in recognition of Veterans Day, flags will be displayed in a Field of Honor in the Mall area of ECU’s campus. The flags represent all faculty and staff who have served in the military. This year there are 962 flags and pink ribbons that denote the women who have served. The Pirate Veterans Organization sponsors a flag sale so the campus community can honor specific veterans that are family or friends. Their flags are in the center of the display.
Additional events scheduled include:
Nov. 12 – Manhood Monday: Masculinity in the Military with Sgt. Maj. McElearney, USMC Mendenhall Student Center, Room 221, 5 p.m.
Nov. 13 – Green Zone Training for faculty and staff to learn about military culture. Those interested can sign up through the Office of Faculty Excellence.
Nov. 14 – Resume workshop for veterans led by counselors with VetSuccess on Campus, 3 p.m. For more information, contact Student Veteran Services, 252-737-4989.
Nov. 14 – Film Screening: “Thank You for Your Service”, Rivers Building, Room 102, 6 p.m.
-by Jamie Smith, ECU News Services